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Danone has introduced its first Dairy and Plants Blend infant formula, developed to meet the needs of parents wanting more vegetarian, flexitarian and plant-based options for their baby. According to the company, this is the first blended formula for babies that combines nutrients found in plants and breastmilk. More than half the required protein in the formula is derived from high-quality soy combined with key dairy ingredients, such as lactose, casein and whey protein. The blended formula contains 60% plant-based and 40% dairy-based protein and will have approximately a 30% lower carbon footprint per pack than other powdered formulas. Manuela Borella, vice president of global plant-based strategy and business acceleration, said: "As a mother of four, I appreciate parents want the very best nutrition for their baby’s healthy growth and development". Borella continued: "At Danone, we also recognise many parents want to introduce plant-based, vegetarian and flexitarian options into their baby’s diet, while still meeting their baby’s specific nutritional requirements. Our new Dairy and Plants Blend baby formula has been developed with these needs top of mind." Danone’s Dairy and Plants Blend formula is being launched first in the Netherlands – under the Nutrilon brand – and in other countries later this year under the global Aptamil brand.